By Scout Nelson
Free legal and financial clinics will be offered to farmers and ranchers across Nebraska during February and March. These clinics will be designed to provide confidential, one-on-one support for producers who will be facing legal, financial, or business-related challenges. Each session will be held in person and will focus on individual needs rather than group discussion.
During the clinics, participants will meet privately with an agricultural law attorney and an agricultural financial counselor. Both professionals will specialize in issues connected to farming and ranching and will understand the unique challenges faced by agricultural operations. All conversations will remain confidential, allowing producers to speak openly about concerns affecting their farms or ranches.
The clinics will cover a wide range of topics. These will include financial and business planning, farm and ranch transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor and creditor law, debt structure, and cash flow management.
Advisors will also provide guidance on agricultural disaster programs and other matters that may affect long-term stability. The goal will be to help producers better understand their situation and explore available options.
These sessions will offer an opportunity to receive an independent, outside perspective. Many producers will find value in discussing challenges with professionals who will be familiar with agriculture but will not be directly involved in their operation. The clinics will aim to support informed decision making and encourage proactive planning.
Each location will be selected to improve access for producers in different regions of Nebraska.
Clinic Dates
- Tuesday, Feb. 17 — Ainsworth
- Monday, Feb. 23 — Norfolk
- Tuesday, March 3 — Scottsbluff
To register for a free clinic or to request more information, producers will be encouraged to contact the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline at 1-800-464-0258. Appointments will be scheduled in advance to ensure adequate time for each individual meeting.
Funding for the clinics will be provided by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska. Through this collaboration, the clinics will continue to support Nebraska producers by offering trusted resources during times of uncertainty and change.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-richlegg
Categories: Nebraska, Business, Government & Policy, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety